Mary Santelmann

Mary Santelmann is a Professor and Director of the Water Resources Graduate Program at Oregon State University's College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. Her research focuses on wetlands ecology, biogeography, and the impacts of human activities on ecosystems. She holds a BS in Botany (University of Minnesota, 1978), MS in Biology (University of Michigan, 1980), and PhD in Ecology (University of Minnesota, 1988).

Her work examines ecosystem responses to land use changes, urbanization effects on biodiversity, and riparian policy analysis. She has advised numerous graduate students in Geography, Environmental Science, and Water Resources Management. Her courses include Biogeography, Ecological Biogeography, and Sociotechnical Aspects of Water Resources.

Key research areas include wetland restoration, salmon migration dynamics, and urban water systems modeling. Collaborations span interdisciplinary projects like Willamette Water 2100, exploring socioecological systems and sustainable water management.

• Education:
  • PhD Ecology, University of Minnesota, 1988
  • MS Biology, University of Michigan, 1980
  • BS Botany, University of Minnesota, 1978
• Advising: Over 30 graduate students since 1999, specializing in environmental science, water policy, and geography.
• Grants & Projects: Led studies on urban water systems, salmon habitat vulnerability, and climate adaptation strategies.

Her lab contributes to the Water Resources Graduate Program, emphasizing interdisciplinary solutions for water sustainability challenges.